FGCU MBB vs JU Preview

The FGCU men's basketball team will play host to Jacksonville at 7 p.m. Feb. 2 inside Alico Arena. The Saturday tilt will be part of the campus-wide Homecoming Week festivities and will also be a Blueout. The contest will be sponsored by NCH Healthcare Systems.

The Eagles (8-15, 3-5 A-SUN) will look to continue their dominant play at home as of late, while the Dolphins (10-13, 3-5 A-SUN) have won two of their last three.

Last Time Out:
The Eagles dropped a tough 66-54 decision to NJIT this past Wednesday night inside NJIT Wellness and Events Center.

The Eagles were led by a career performance from Troy Baxter Jr., as the sophomore went 8-for-16 from the field and tallied career highs in both points (21) and made 3-pointers (4). Senior Schadrac Casimir contributed seven points, seven rebounds and four assists, and junior Christian Carlyle finished 4-for-6 with eight points.

FGCU shot 48.9 percent (23-for-47) from the field, 29.2 percent (7-for-24) from behind the 3-point line and 25 percent (1-for-4) at the free-throw line. The Highlanders shot 44.6 percent (25-for-56) overall, 41.2 percent (7-for-17) from distance and 52.9 percent (9-for-17) at the stripe.

Scouting JU:
The Dolphins enter Saturday with a 10-13 ledger and a 3-5 mark in the ASUN. The Dolphins rattled off six wins in a seven-game stretch earlier this season, but since that mark they have dropped eight of their last 11. They own league triumphs over Kennesaw State, North Florida and Stetson.

Despite only starting 14 games this season, sophomore JD Notae has become one of the most lethal scorers in the A-SUN. He leads JU in both scoring (15.0 ppg) and rebounding (6.4 rpg).

Redshirt senior Jace Hogan (13.4 ppg) is the only other player to average in double digits, and his 5.6 rebounds per game is also second on the team.

Jacksonville has an impressive 5-7 road record this season, most recently knocking off the Ospreys on their home floor (Jan. 24).

Series History:
This will be the 24th all-time meeting between FGCU and JU. The Eagles hold a narrow 12-11 advantage, which includes victories in the last four meetings. FGCU is also 12-4 against the Dolphins since 2011. Jacksonville claimed the first seven matchups from 2008-10.

How to Keep Up:
Livestats will be available for the game and will air on ESPN+. Commentary will be done by play-by-play commentator David Moulton and color commentator Pete Lonergan.

Fans can also keep updated on the teams' Twitter accounts:
FGCU: @FGCU_MBB
JU: @JacksonvilleMBB

ESPN+:
The A-SUN will air on the new, subscription-based digital platform ESPN+, which will be the new home for select FGCU and A-SUN games and event broadcasts. Subscribers can try the new app for free for 30 days, which follows to $4.99 a month fee afterwards or can pay $39.99 per-year based on the viewers subscription choice.

Promos:
1. Alumni Game: FGCU will host an alumni game at 12:30 p.m. in Alico Arena on Saturday prior to the doubleheader against Jacksonville. Doors will open at 12:15 p.m. and admission is free.

Here's the rosters for the game:

Blue
Mikala McGhee (2016-17)
Taylor Gradinjan (2012-18)
Eddie Murray (2008-13)
Nate Hicks (2012-15)
Leon Woodstock (2005-06)
Zachery Christian (2011-12)
Scot Wilson (2002-04)

Green
Sydnei McCaskill (2015-17)
China Dow (2016-18)
Marcus Blake (2010-15)
Darrin Wallace (2002-03)
Roman Brown (2002-04)
Marcus Watts (2004-06)
Andrew French (2002-03)
Christian Terrell (2014-18)

2. Laces of Love: FGCU product, World Series champion and current Boston Red Sox staff ace Chris Sale and his wife, Brianne, have once again partnered with local charity, Laces of Love. New shoes/sneakers will be accepted upon entry to Alico Arena on Saturday and will be given to children in need in Lee and Collier counties.

3. Blue Out: Marketing is encouraging fans to wear blue to the game.

4. Homecoming Weekend: This will be the second annual Homecoming celebration. We will honor our outstanding graduates at the Alumni Awards followed by the popular Alumni Tailgate as we prepare to cheer on the Eagles. The following others will be a part of the alumni basketball game-

a. Homecoming Tailgate*: Enjoy food, cash bar, games and live music from SOWFLO.

b. Breakfast with Azul*: Join Azul for an all-you-can eat buffet at Sovi. Activities for the kids, photo opportunities with Azul and lots of yummy food.

c. Brunch with the Greek Life SWFL Alumni Network*: End Homecoming at Brunch Bar & Patio!  Enjoy delicious food and drink with your fellow alumni before you head home.  We will have special seating starting at 10am! All alumni, family, and friends are invited to attend this event hosted by the Greek Life SWFL Alumni Network.

Livestats Link: http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=238819

ESPN+ Link: http://www.espn.com/watch/_/id/16860575-9db4-423c-8e66-8cc7948989d5/jacksonville-vs-florida-gulf-coast

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